Delhi Wildlife Board Removes Wildlife SOS: Leopard Poaching Case 2026
Key points
Why in the News?
The Delhi Government has decided to remove Wildlife SOS, a wildlife conservation NGO, from its newly constituted State Board for Wildlife following concerns about an ongoing leopard poaching investigation in Madhya Pradesh.
Delhi Environment and Forest Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced the decision on 2 November 2026.
The government also decided to end the organisation's association with the Delhi Forest Department.
A formal removal order was expected to follow.
Key Facts
Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
State/UT | Delhi |
Organisation | Wildlife SOS |
Government Body | Delhi State Board for Wildlife |
Minister | Manjinder Singh Sirsa |
Investigation | Alleged leopard poaching network |
Investigation State | Madhya Pradesh |
Investigating Agency | Madhya Pradesh State Tiger Strike Force |
Relevant Law | Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 |
Important Sections | Sections 6 and 8 |
What Happened?
The Delhi Government recently constituted its State Board for Wildlife under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Wildlife SOS was among the organisations nominated to represent non-governmental wildlife conservation groups.
However, questions were raised about its inclusion because of an ongoing investigation into alleged wildlife trafficking and leopard poaching.
Following objections, the Delhi Government announced that the organisation would be removed from the board.
Important: The allegations remain under investigation. The government's decision does not establish criminal guilt.
About the Leopard Poaching Investigation
The investigation concerns an alleged leopard poaching network operating in the Madhya Pradesh region associated with Kuno National Park.
Major Developments
Investigators examined the alleged illegal trade in leopard skins.
Ten leopard skins were reportedly recovered in July 2026.
The Madhya Pradesh State Tiger Strike Force investigated the suspected poaching network.
Individuals associated with Wildlife SOS came under scrutiny.
Wildlife SOS denied wrongdoing and called for decisions based on verified evidence and due process.
The investigation raises questions about wildlife trafficking, conservation oversight and accountability.
What is the State Board for Wildlife?
The State Board for Wildlife (SBWL) is a statutory advisory body constituted under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Legal Provisions
Section | Provision |
|---|---|
Section 6 | Constitution of State Boards for Wildlife |
Section 7 | Procedure followed by the State Board |
Section 8 | Duties of the State Board |
Major Functions
Advise the government on wildlife conservation policies.
Recommend measures for protecting wildlife and habitats.
Support the identification and management of protected areas.
Advise on the protection of forests, biodiversity and specified plants.
Support effective implementation of wildlife conservation measures.
Delhi State Board for Wildlife
The Delhi Government constituted the board through a notification dated 23 October 2026, published in the Delhi Gazette on 27 October 2026.
The board includes:
Chairperson: Chief Minister of Delhi
Vice-Chairperson: Delhi Minister for Forests and Wildlife
Representatives of government departments
Wildlife conservation experts
Representatives of wildlife organisations
Chief Wildlife Warden as Member Secretary
The board provides advice on wildlife conservation and habitat protection in Delhi.
About Wildlife SOS
Wildlife SOS is an Indian non-governmental organisation established in 1995.
Its activities include wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, conservation and efforts to prevent wildlife exploitation.
The organisation has worked on projects involving bears, elephants and other wild animals.
About Kuno National Park
Kuno National Park is located in Madhya Pradesh.
It is particularly important for India's cheetah reintroduction programme.
The park and surrounding landscape support several wildlife species and are important for biodiversity conservation.
Conclusion
The Wildlife SOS controversy highlights the importance of transparency, institutional accountability and due process in wildlife governance.
For competitive examinations, the most important areas are the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the structure and functions of State Boards for Wildlife, and India's wildlife conservation framework.
